Mohammad Kaif has criticised Axar Patel for publicly pointing fingers at teammate Kuldeep Yadav throughout Delhi Capitals’ troublesome IPL 2026 marketing campaign. Regardless of conserving their slim playoff hopes alive with an exhilarating three-wicket win over Punjab Kings in Dharamsala on Monday, Delhi Capitals stay beneath stress after shedding seven of their 12 matches this season. Questions have additionally continued to encompass their spin division, notably the performances of Axar and Kuldeep.
Following Delhi’s earlier defeat in opposition to Chennai Tremendous Kings, Axar had publicly spoken about Kuldeep’s struggles, one thing Kaif believes shouldn’t have occurred. Talking on his YouTube channel, Kaif mentioned skilled captains keep away from singling out gamers in public, particularly somebody with Kuldeep’s confirmed file. “A mature captain by no means publicly names one among his gamers or lets his participant down. He doesn’t brazenly blame him. I can perceive that Kuldeep has gone by way of a troublesome part this season-he has not bowled that properly and hasn’t picked up many wickets. However ever since he joined Delhi, he has been a confirmed bowler,” Kaif mentioned. Kaif additional backed Kuldeep’s long-term worth, highlighting his consistency for each Delhi and India throughout codecs over time. “Overlook simply the IPL; even in case you speak about India in ODIs or T20Is over time, he has constantly carried out. Sure, this season has been a bit quiet for him and his bowling has not been at its finest. However it’s best to by no means take a participant’s title publicly. As an alternative, it’s best to merely say that issues didn’t go properly as a crew,” he added. Apparently, Axar himself delivered a captain’s knock throughout Delhi’s dramatic chase in opposition to Punjab Kings. After DC slipped to 33/3 whereas chasing 211, Axar smashed 56 off 30 balls and stitched collectively an important partnership with David Miller to revive the innings. After the win, Axar praised the character proven by his facet and insisted Delhi had been taking part in good cricket regardless of failing to win key moments earlier within the season. “I’ve been saying that we’re a very good crew, taking part in good cricket however not successful the essential moments,” Axar mentioned after the match. “I’m actually pleased with how we performed and hopefully we proceed taking part in like this.” He additionally praised the children within the squad, including: “Given the kind of cricket we’re taking part in and the bench power we’ve, the longer term is in good arms. Kids standing up in such conditions is an effective signal.”
